The Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) endorsed People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate for president, and the current Malé Mayor, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has appealed to voters to cast their votes before 12 noon in Saturday’s first round of the presidential elections.
Speaking at the opening of a PPM campaign office in Henveiru ward of Malé, Muizzu heavily implied that the voting period is often extended, at around 4 pm on voting days, citing low turnouts in order to otherwise influence the voting process.
This comes at a time when the opposition has repeatedly accused the government of trying to influence the vote.
“[The voting period] is extended to try to do what they can do within that time,” Muizzu said.
Muizzu said that time for elections shenanigans, by extending the voting period to go beyond 4 p.m., should not be entertained.
“So don’t give [them] that opportunity this time. Everyone should go and finish voting by 12 o’clock. There is no need to wait to vote after then,” Muizzu said.
Muizzu urged election monitors to take their duties seriously and to keenly observe the proceedings near polling stations. He further rallied supporters to work extra hard, in the coming two days, to secure an election win.